What To Do If Your Child Is Charged For Sexting in New Jersey
As a parent, it can be overwhelming for your child to be in legal trouble, especially when you feel like you have little control over the situation. If your child is dealing with criminal charges related to juvenile sexting or the distribution of child pornography, continue reading to find out what you should do (and how a skilled criminal defense attorney can help).
What is Sexting?
Sexting refers to the behavior of sending or receiving text messages that are sexually implicit in nature. You might be surprised to learn that even if sexting is consensual, it may still be illegal. This is because sending, or receiving, sexually implicit photographs of an underage child is illegal. This may be referred to as child pornography.
Potential Consequences of Sex Crimes in New Jersey
If your teen is charged with a sex crime in New Jersey, they could be met with serious consequences. This may include mandatory jail time and a permanent criminal record. A permanent criminal record can affect your child’s employment or college opportunities later. In some cases, a sex offender may have to place their name put on a public sex offender registry.
The specific charges that come with sexting will likely vary depending on the details. A few different types of sexual crimes related to sexting might include internet sex crimes or child pornography. It may also include lewdness or even prostitution. You might be surprised that sexting is its own category of crime.
Even if a person is under 18 years of age, they can receive charges of distribution of child pornography. Even if a teen takes a photograph of themselves and solicits it, it’s still possible that they could be charged.
How to Keep Your Teen Safe
Teens often think that sexting is harmless. They also don’t realize how sending or sharing a photo can affect their future. Here are a few tips you can use to keep your teen safe:
- Inform them of New Jersey’s laws: Many parents aren’t even aware of New Jersey’s harsh sexting laws. Talk with your teen about the potential consequences.
- Teach them the definition of sexting: Sexting does not always require you to send directly explicit photos. It may also include sharing a photo that someone else sent that is only partially implicit. In addition to discussing the potential consequences of sexting, it’s also important to talk about what it means with your teenager.
- Talk about what they should do: You may not be able to prevent your teen from receiving solicitations of photos or texts. Discuss what they can do if they receive inappropriate photos.
- Talk about the dangers of the internet: In addition to talking about the legal outcomes, it’s also necessary to discuss the dangers. Teens may know who they’re texting, but they don’t always know where their photographs may end up. Reviewing the dangers of the internet is important as your teen gets older.
If your teen is charged with the distribution of child pornography, it’s important to consider their options as soon as possible. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer today to protect their rights and future.
Contact an Experienced Cherry Hill Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Sexting Charges in New Jersey
Was your teen arrested or charged with sexting or pornography distribution in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Gelman Law, LLC have represented clients charged with pornography distribution in Cherry Hill, Camden, Moorestown, Mt. Laurel, and throughout New Jersey. Call 856-861-4236 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 850 Rt. 70 West Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
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